All work and no Play?

It's time to let a little joy into your life, to stimulate the mind, stave off stress and safeguard your mental health, writes Kellie Gillespie-Wright

- Kellie Gillespie-Wright

When was the last time you rolled down a hill, swung on a swing, or spent the afternoon colouring in? Chances are you haven't done any such thing since childhood. But I bet you miss that delicious joy and freedom you felt as a ten-year-old, playing your favourite game.

Reaching adulthood means many of us consciously disconnect from the ability to play freely just for the sake of it. That's something children do something we, as working adults with obligations, often feel we don't have time for, can't justify, or see no point in.

'As we get older, life becomes more serious and structured, as we take on increasing responsibilities. And, often, people's lives are so busy, moving from one commitment or task to the next, that they have lost touch with more playful parts of themselves,' says therapeutic counsellor Roberta King.

But maybe it's time to reconsider the benefits of play before you write it off and consign it to the memory vaults. 'Play is more than just fun,' says psychologist and founder of the National Institute for Play, Dr Stuart Brown. 'Play has the power to deeply enrich your adult life, if you pay attention to it,' he continues. 'And without it, we run the risk of becoming cranky, rigid, and stuck in a rut.'

We all know play is crucial to a child's development, but it's not just children that can benefit from a little play time. Over the past 30 years, science has shown that play is vital at any age, because, amongst other things, it relieves stress, stimulates the mind, boosts creativity, and improves our connections to others. It can even help us keep physically healthy. Regular play also wards off depression, sustains optimism, and keeps our brains flexible. 'When we engage in free play that makes us feel happy, the brain produces endorphins and serotonin,' says King, 'and these feelgood chemicals can contribute to tackling all kinds of mental health conditions.'